The Most Enticing Deals At Sephora This Holiday Season

It’s that time of the year again… 

Edit: I wrote this article before the Holiday Savers Event Sale began. The sale is now over, but these products are still available, and they’re almost all holiday money-saving sets. Ie. they were already at discounted prices in the first place! I still think that these products are worth it - especially the limited-edition sets.

Sephora’s annual Holiday Savings Event is beginning (or has already begun!) for Insiders, VIBs and Rouge members: if you don’t already know what it is, you can save 10%, 15%, or 20% on every item, depending on the membership you have.

I took a look at everything, especially limited-edition sets for the holidays, and compiled what I find the most enticing, and also the best deals. Bear in mind, Sephora is pricey, and I want to stress that these products are not necessarily cheap now, but some of these deals are just simply unmatched in the rest of the year… so if you’re gonna give one of these products a go in your lifetime, now is your moment.

Hair

Save money on these cult-classics:

Olaplex Holiday Hair Fix Kit (Limited Edition)

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You’re sure to have heard of Olaplex before in the hair salon, from a friend, or online. This kit contains Olaplex No. 3, 4, 5, and 6 — the hair mask, the shampoo and conditioner, and the leave-in hair cream. The products are valued at $84 altogether, but this kit costs $60. Each of these four products is worth $28, so you are essentially getting one for free.

If you’ve been wanting to try the line, then this kit is for you. I especially recommend No. 3 and No. 6, since both have genuinely been life-changing for my curly, very-bleached hair. The shampoo and conditioner are excellent, albeit less worth it than the mask and cream, especially if your hair is straight. I would recommend the shampoo and conditioner to people with very parched hair, or for people combatting frizz on curls, because the texture of both is very thick. 

Give in to the hype:

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Care Set (Limited Edition)

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Gisou by Negin Mirsalehi carries “honey & propolis infused haircare from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden”, to quote from their Instagram bio, which is the platform on which the brand shot to fame: every influencer has the Honey Infused Hair Oil, if not also the mask. Plus, their components are gorgeous, minimalistic and #PFG. Sephora began carrying Gisou in August, and this set gives you the opportunity to live out your influencer dreams for less. The set, with $79 value, is $55: not cheap… but that’s the price you apparently have to pay for having hair like Negin’s. The products are made for every hair type, and help primarily with moisture and shine.

Makeup

It’s been reduced to almost a quarter of the price now...

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette

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While these are marketed as highlighters, they’d be stunning as eyeshadows: Rihanna actually uses them for her eyes as well as her face in her demo video for the palette on Sephora’s website. This palette was in last year’s Fenty Beauty holiday collection for $54… now, it’s $15 (and, at this price, it’s limited edition). That’s just over $2 per shade, and the pans are big. Plus, it’s going to be less than $15 when the Savings Event discount is applied. If you like gorgeous shimmers as a wash of colour on your lid (very Euphoria) or as a topper for other shadows, I’d consider this palette, no matter what skin tone you have; the colours are very versatile and would look great on any complexion. 

Give in to the hype:

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Duo (Limited Edition)

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This duo is… so good. As is typical with Charlotte Tilbury complexion products, both the bronzer and highlighter are so flattering and give that natural-but-super-enhanced look. The bronzer especially is so unique due to its gorgeous cool tone: if you don’t like orange or warm bronzers, consider this product. Also, the SIZE! You can take it out with you (not that that’s happening just yet). Frustratingly, this bronzer shade would only work for light to medium skin tones: the full-sized duo in CT’s permanent collection does come in another slightly darker shade (called “medium-to-dark”), and hopefully they’ll also be offering that one as a mini too. The duo is $29, and don’t forget that you’re also paying for the gorgeous component!

Skincare

Save money on this cult-classic:

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

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I’ve heard so, so many stellar reviews of this SPF. I bought it once, and really enjoyed using it until it was empty. It is colourless (great for any skin tone) and non-greasy, with no sunscreen smell. It feels a lot like a silicone-style primer, and leaves you looking quite poreless and matte, but still with a glow from within. I personally experienced some pilling when using it, so you do need to be careful with the products you layer under and over it. SPF 40 is a good choice for adequate sun protection; just make sure you use enough of it! 

Give in to the hype:

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

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It’s marketed as “foundation”, but with its formula containing squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide at what the Sephora description calls “active levels of (these) ingredients”, the purpose of the product seems to be to help your skin, instead of covering it up and making it worse. (It’s worth noting, though, that The Ordinary’s niacinamide and The Inkey List’s niacinamide serum both have 10% niacinamide, whereas this serum has 2%). What attracts me to this product right off the bat is that, since wearing masks a lot stresses out the skin, makeup-skincare hybrids are more worth it than ever. The product is marketed for all skin types, including oily, but I would take a good look at the reviews and consider if it might be too dewy for you if you have combo or oily skin. I’d love to just effortlessly put this on before a Zoom: serve that I’m-not-trying-at-all-but-I-look-really-good look. The price is $46, which is not cheap by any means, but everyone seems to love ILIA now, and you might want to give it a go.

Final thoughts about the Holiday Savers Event: just be mindful of what you really want and maybe don’t buy what you just kind of want, be very picky, and do your research. This year is tough; when you can, treat yourself!

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Consider Becoming a ‘90s Heartthrob in Just One Step

Social distancing has people making drastic grooming decisions in order to reclaim a sliver of control over our lives. From turning to the (dye) bottle for a dramatic color change to shaving one’s head, in times like these nothing seems abnormal. I’d like to take this period of creative freedom and non-judgement to make the case for the return of a much maligned hairstyle: the “butt cut,” or hair curtains look. Named after the way the middle-parted hair in the front allegedly makes one’s head look like a butt, it is the evolutionary peak of the bowl cut’s lineage.

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Most ‘90s heartthrobs of the white male persuasion sported the look. One could go so far as to say that Nick Carter and Devon Sawa’s entire livelihoods rested on the scientific precision with which their hairdos were crafted. For reasons completely unknown to me, the curtains look is often put in the pantheon of hairstyle disasters alongside the mullet or frosted tips.

There are theories floating around that the curtains cut stems from the looks of the long haired princes of the Disney Renaissance like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid’s Eric, who represented the perfect storm of masculinity and sensitivity. Tighter than Kurt Cobain’s shaggy hair, looser than the perfectly groomed looks of Old Hollywood, with more layers than the close-cut bowl crop, this image of the perfect man was pervasive in the ‘90s. Waif-like pretty boy looks reigned supreme in pop culture. Young actors everywhere hinged their early careers on straddling that line between youthful sexuality and wise-beyond-their-years soulfulness.

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The look quickly evolved to cover all the ‘90s/noughties “it-boy” archetypes: Jared Leto had a slightly too-long cut in My So-Called Life, showing that he wasn’t like the other boys, but rather a cool and edgy outsider. Hugh Grant in Notting Hill sported a voluminous, deliberately disheveled head of hair, displaying his “quirky” sensibilities in contrast to the movie star he falls for. Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley had hair that was a little too coiffed in place, unlike the careful nonchalance required of the ideal curtains look, reflecting the try-hard insecurity of the titular character.

Like all ‘90s trends, curtains have been intermittently returning—but in the form of the longer or more voluminous looks.

If the loose curtain looks are en vogue now (see: Timothée Chalamet, Zayn Malik, Cole Sprouse), why is there still such disdain for its ancestral style? Do the softer cuts of today represent a newfound fluidity and freedom that the increasingly individualized nature of celebrity in the digital age affords young stars? Is there a Pavlovian association between youthful vapidity and tight cuts whereas the looser look is reflective of a more artsy and edgy aesthetic required of cool celebrities in 2020? Research questions just waiting to be taken up.

But in the meantime, a friendly suggestion: you’re stuck at home. No one is around to see if you mess it up. You’ve got bowls, you’ve got scissors, why not?

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Why You Should Cut Your Hair During Social Isolation

The overwhelming restlessness that has been stirred up by isolation has reduced me to pure impulse. When I want to rearrange my closet, I do. When I want to snack, I do. When I binge-watch “Baby” on Netflix and watch Alice Pagani play ‘Ludovica’, who sports a chin length black bob with short bangs, and then I see my blue craft scissors, I think Fine. I’ll bite. 

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My Roommate Trimming My Hair

And maybe I don’t really feel any reaction when I see my own face, prominently displayed at the top of the screen. In Zoom discussion, on FaceTime, and over Instagram, why is the temptation to constantly be checking out your own face so magnetic? I think that the more I look and my own face is reflected in the black mirror of a dark laptop screen, the more I want to change it. 

So, whatever.

I cut five inch chunks from my hair. And then, immediately call in my lovely enabling roommate to straighten the edge and uniform the length. We sit on the floor in front of my mirror, black hair forming a circle around us, and laugh. She tells me that she once cut her friend’s hair with small scissors in her high school’s bathroom. 

This is a time honored tradition. Perhaps because it feels good to do something and immediately see tangible results. Perhaps because it makes you feel like a new person, when all other modes of expressing yourself have been taken away. Perhaps it is about bodily control in an uncertain time. I say that you should go ahead and cut your hair. After all, it will grow back. And all we have is time. 

Featured image via Alice Pagani’s Instagram

Product Review: Maria Nila Colour Refresh in Vivid Violet

Product Review: Maria Nila Colour Refresh in Vivid Violet

I’ve always wanted to dye my hair ombre, but I didn’t want to go through the mortifying ordeal of being perceived getting my hair bleached. So, when I was gifted this hair-mask-slash-dye, I knew I had to try it. Did the dye successfully overcome my brownish hair, a color notoriously hard to dye? Read on to find out.

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Quick facts

Name: Maria Nila Colour Refresh in Vivid Violet

Price: $19.00 + tax for 100 ml

Smell: It smells like hair dye, but in a nice, pleasant sort of way. Like a beauty salon. 4/5

Texture: A thick cream-like texture that spreads easily over hair. 5/5

Ease of use: It’s relatively easy if you’ve dyed your hair before. There is a learning curve to get a more intense color. Make sure you use gloves. 3.5/5

Appearance: First attempt barely showed up, second attempt showed up more but was still subtle. The color looks much better in the light. Works best on lighter hair. ⅗

Total: 3.5/5

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The instructions were pretty simple: Wash and towel-dry hair. Apply dye, and wait for 3-10 minutes. Wash off with cold water, and then finish with some conditioner. What could go wrong?

Well, as it turns out, everything. (To be fair, this was my first time ever dyeing my own hair). The application itself was very easy: I separated my hair into four parts, and slowly applied the dye to the ends. I used a comb (note to self: use a more finer-picked comb next time) to disperse the dye, and waited for 15 minutes. I knew that, with my darker hair, I would need to go for maximum wait time to get a maximum effect. What I didn’t account for was that, in my attempt to dye my hair, I completely miscalculated my limb placement, so I also ended up dyeing the bathroom sink a bright purple and bleaching my jeans in a frantic attempt to bleach the dye out.

After (finally) getting out the dye in the sink, I washed out my hair with cold water in the sink for about 3 minutes. Here was my error: I ended up washing out too much of the dye, an error that I only found out about after my hair dried. I actually wasn’t very satisfied with the result at first—my hair was barely purple tinged, even when seen in the light.

Next morning, I decided to dye my hair again. Now that I knew what I was doing, the process was a lot easier! I successfully managed to not dye my sink purple a second time! The cream really is easy to use, as it comes in a gel-cream that’s very pigmented. Just a little is enough, although for more intensity I would recommend going back and re-applying the dye a couple of times. I also made sure to wash out my hair a lot less the second time again for only a minute. This time, my hair looked a lot more purple. It’s still a very subtle change, but one that’s more visibly purple.

Overall, I liked the product for its ease of use and accessibility. I would recommend the darker colors to people with darker hair, but be warned that it will be a subtle dye. There are lighter colors, but with the performance of this product, I’m not sure if it will show up on hair darker than blonde.

Final Result

Maria Nila Colour Refresh in Vivid Violet

Total rating: 3.5/5

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Images via and Karina Holbrook.

Elevate Your Hair Styling Game for the MODA Show

The MODA Show is coming up on February 22nd, and getting your outfit and makeup ready are arguably the easiest parts of the job. You might be left wondering what to do with your hair within the last 30 minutes before it’s time to head to the show. Have no fear, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for some easy, foolproof hairstyles that you can use as inspiration for your look!

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Half Bun

A cute knotted bun with a few strands hanging loose is perfect for any hair type. It is also the most convenient style because it works in class, at a special event, and everywhere in between. Follow the steps below to step up your bun game.

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Classic French Twist with a Bun on Top

This is one of my favorite looks - confident and delicate. It is also so simple to throw together. First, pull your hair back at the base of your neck, then twist it to the right and lay it against your head with the ends facing up. Spread the hair from the bottom of the twist to the top and make it look polished. Finally, wrap the ends into a bun and pin them.

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Twisted Halo

A super romantic and complex looking hairstyle, yet a twisted halo takes no more than 5 minutes to tie together! First, separate your hair at the crown area. Then, twist back a small section of hair from each side of your head and secure it with a pin in the middle of your head. Remember to tuck the second section behind the first twisted section

Side Braid Ponytail

This is a little more complicated, but trying new styles is always exciting. Here’s a detailed step-by-step instruction:

1. Separate the right side of your hair into 3 parts and make a Dutch braid along your ear. Tug at small pieces of your braid so they loosen up and create more volume.

2. Take a two inch section at the middle of your head and do a standard three strand french braid down the middle, stopping at the curve of your head.

3. On the other side, create a two strand twist and secure with a clear elastic.

4. Put your hair up together into a ponytail and BOOM!

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MODA Show Hair Looks

While you may not be the one on the runway, the MODA show is the perfect time to show off your hair skills, wow the crowd while being in it, and looking picture perfect for that afterparty. 

A hairstyle can easily rival the outfit you choose to don. Simple and minimalistic, or bold and eye-catching? Here are a few ideas in case you were looking for inspiration:

Simple Twists or Straight Hair

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If you're really trying to have the attention on a flashy outfit, you can't go wrong with a simple-do. It'll keep your mind off constantly making sure something hasn't fallen out, un-done itself, or ruined your entire look. I know just a simple straightening can make me look much more put-together. Avoid excessive flatness with some volumizing spray or straightening against your normal part.

Adding Color!

Sometimes your look might demand a dramatic change, and what better pairs that with a change in hair color? If you're anything like me and can't commit to a hair color for more than a month, if not a day, then L'Oreal's temporary hair colors are the perfect choice for you. The hair spray comes in 10 exciting colors that include rose gold, purple, and pastel blue. It lasts just a day, so you can easily manage and return to normalcy after just one wash. You can go as wild as you want or stick with a temporary ombré. The experimentation with color can also start as an inspiration-springboard for your outfits as well!

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More Effort, More Looks

I don't have nearly the skill to be able to pull off any of these looks personally, but I do know that some people have the technique to do it. Whether you're trying to look runway ready with those Victoria Secret beach waves or trying to pull off that iconic Beyonce at the Met Gala look, it's your world and at the MODA fashion show, we're just living in it.

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Skip Shampoo, Stick with Scalp Scrub

After a grueling eight months of no haircuts and accumulation of an embarrassing amount of split ends, I chopped off six inches of my hair as a symbolic sign of recovering from midterms. Of course, with this dramatic chop, I paired it with a switch-up from shampoo to scalp scrub.

Think skin exfoliator, but for your hair. 

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This product - Low Key Cleansing Walnut Scalp Scrub - from IGK is my new holy grail for haircare. 

IGK hair products are great all-around, but didn't really do the job for me until this one.

The texture of the product is very coarse and has a light minty and coconut smell. Don't make the mistake of getting this in your eye; rough particles and minty-eyes are things I would never wish on my worst enemy.

The product contains healthy, high-quality ingredients like apple cider vinegar, which paired with the grainy sugar material exfoliates your scalp and walnut oil, which will hydrate your scalp and hair without overwhelmingly creating an oily texture. The rough texture comes from sucrose.

The product has 5 fluid ounces and costs $36. It's a little higher of a price tag, but it works wonders so I definitely think it's worth it.

Following the motto of IGK, the products are color and conditioning safe, gluten free, and cruelty free.

Since I started using this product, I've noticed that my hair is shinier, softer, and generally healthier. I skipped using overly chemical-based shampoos and think this might be a permanent substitute.

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Brands to Know: Pacifica

As a makeup lover and a broke college student, I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive, high-quality makeup, skincare, and perfume. Pacifica provides all three, as well as candles, deodorants, and hair products. In beautiful, brightly colored packaging, this brand truly has everything a makeup lover could want for under twenty five dollars.

Available at ULTA and select grocery and drug stores, Pacifica carries a wide variety of vegan, cruelty-free products for relatively low prices. My personal favorite is their solid perfume line. This perfume comes in the form of a wax, with a chapstick-like consistency, and it’s long lasting while being subtler than spray-on perfume.

See below for some of our favorite products of the moment and check out Pacifica's site for more amazing products! 

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Summer's Most Buzzworthy Hair Trend

Thinking of drastically switching up your summer look? The season's most popular trend calls for pixie cuts and buzzcuts in shades of platinum and peroxide blonde. Ever since Kristen Stewart debuted her bleached blonde buzzcut earlier this year, a handful of stars have been following suit, from Zoe Kravitz and Katy Perry's stylized pixies, to Cara Delevingne and Amandla Stenberg's more daring close shaves.

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Cara Delevingne; image via

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Amandla Stenberg; image via

If you're a fan of the platinum, but not quite ready to part with your hair, look no further than Karlie Kloss' recent foray into the world of bleached hair and badass beach babe vibes. Perhaps peroxide blondes have the most fun!

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Pom Klementieff; image via

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Brands to Know: Gisou

If you're a fan of blogger Negin Mirsalehi's travels, vlogs and street style, you've undoubtedly heard of her new bee based hair product line, Gisou. 

For those of you unfamiliar with Mirsalehi's work, Gisou is in essence, a family business. Beekeeping has been in Mirsalehi's family for six generations, and all of her products continue to draw ingredients from the Mirsalehi bee garden; "growing up in a beekeeping family I discovered the best nourishment for my hair comes straight from the hive" (Gisou.com).

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Her Honey Infused Hair Oil and Propolis Infused Heat Protecting Spray both capitalize on organic, nourishing oils, vitamins, minerals and flavonoids to strengthen, fortify and protect your hair. If Mirsalehi's own lengthy locks are any indication of the effect Gisou products can have on the health of your hair, these products are definitely worth a try!  

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Learn more about Negin's story and shop the Gisou line here. Follow Gisou on Instagram here. 

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MODA Blog's Holy Grail Products: Kathryn

Every product junkie knows that the ultimate reason behind racking up drawers and drawers of new lipsticks, concealers, powders, etc., is to find a holy grail. Holy grail products are those magical items that are just right–right texture, right color, right finish, right lasting power–and that's what makes them so difficult to find.In honor of that search, MODA Blog has decided to share some of our holy grail products in a new series. Every week, a different blogger will discuss their three all-time favorite beauty products, which can include anything from makeup to skincare to hair care. You'll get a peek into the beauty lives of our MODA bloggers and hopefully, discover some new holy grail products of your own.

Next up is first-year blogger Kathryn Hicks!

The following four products pack just enough punch to get me through whatever mess my latest P-Set has turned me into. We've got a kick ass face mask to tighten my stressed out pores, an aesthetically pleasing perfume that gives me a little pick-me-up and motivation to continue with the next problem, a long-lasting creme shadow to fake awakeness the next morning, and a hair glossing spray that converts morning mane taming minutes into extra sweet zzz's.

1. Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

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In the midst of midterms (read: 12 straight hours in the Reg Stacks), skincare slowly slips from your mind and stress breakouts further dampen the mood of your current imprisonment in the already sufficiently dreary cement stacks. This face masque dries quickly (so you can return to your beloved problem sets and cramming), removes impurities, and minimizes pores. I have found that the clay component dries out breakouts and generally speeds up the healing process to a day or so at most. I try to use this every Sunday in a mini-pamper sesh, setting myself up for a week of good skin and calm nerves!

2. Urban Outfitters Petal Perfume Oil

Holy Grail Scent: Forget-Me-Not

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Perfumes are notorious for pretty packaging, but this oil-based perfume takes the aesthetic cake with its apothecary style labeling and real flower petals. This fragrance oil is pretty inexpensive when compared to the back walls of Sephora and lasts longer on your pulse points due to its Vitamin E Oil base. The large rollerball style design also makes it super easy to travel with and reapply when you're needing a fragrance pick me up! I use this daily in the Forget-Me-Not scent and apply on my wrists, sides and back of my neck, and insides of my elbow (strange but effective at keeping the scent lasting longer!).

These perfume oils can be purchased at Urban Outfitters in the following scents:

• Forget Me Not: Uplifting blend of sparkling mandarin + green tea that blossoms on skin with delicate notes of freesia + orris
• Globe: Alluring blend of pink currants, rose + blaze peony that sinks beautifully into skin with notes of white cedarwood + musk
• Rose: Addictive blend of fresh rose, peony and bergamot that evolves on skin with soft notes of white musk and blond woods

3. MAC Pro-Longwear Paint Pot

Holy Grail Shade: Bare Study

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Writing about this product brings me back to the memories of buying my first one of these when I was just getting started wearing makeup back in eighth grade. Since then, my skills have improved past excessive black eyeliner on the waterline and smudgy mascara (hopefully), but this cream eyeshadow still remains near and dear to my heart. Described as soft beige with with gold pearl, the shade Bare Study makes the perfect shimmery base for my (very) pale skin and brings out the blue in my eyes. The uber creamy shadow makes the perfect primer/base for your eye makeup, extending the length of your shadows and preventing creasing. My daily-go-to is Bare Study followed by Urban Decay's Sin on the lid, Naked in the crease, and Venus in the inner corner (from Naked 1 and Naked Basics Palettes). MAC currently has 26 shades of these paint pots, so whether you're looking for a neutral base for underneath shadows or something to stand on its own, they have got you covered!

4. Garnier Fructis Glossing Spray

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Super cheap, super effective, and sold on Amazon (a.k.a. a college student's dream), this glossing spray adds shine to your locks without weighing them down as a serum can. I typically do a serum (Biosilk Silk Therapy) when my hair is damp and finish everything off with this glossing spray after my hair is dry and natural/straightened/curled/whatever-I-am-feeling-that-day. If you have super frizzy weirdly wavy/curly hair like me, it also smooths things down quite a bit without blending together or messing up any curls. Added bonus: it has the characteristically fresh and citrusy scent of Garnier Fructis products and keeps your hair smelling as such all day!

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What are your holy grail beauty products? Let us know in the comments below!

Pampering from the Pantry: DIY Hair Masks

With the chilly air and fierce wind whipping around your tresses, now is a perfect time to refresh and re-enforce your mane without breaking the bank. These magically moisturizing ingredients can easily and inexpensively be found at your local grocery store, dining hall or even Amazon Prime.

Your Pampering Pantry Arsenal

1. Bananas - Bananas are high in potassium which serves to strengthen, restore elasticity, and repair damage. Their natural oils and water content also serve to moisture any dryness. Next time you're leaving the dining hall, grab one for a snack and one for your strands!
2. Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is a multi-purpose wonder worker in the world of DIY beauty, and it does not fall short when it comes to moisturizing and strengthening your hair. In addition to intense moisturizing properties, this oil facilities hair growth by getting deep into hair follicles, adding luster, shine, and softness, and preventing hair breakage and split ends. This one jar wonder can also be used as a shaving cream, cuticle oil, and makeup remover.
3. Olive Oil - Like coconut oil, olive oil also serves as a great moisturizing agent for the hair. Olive oil's moisturizing properties contribute to extra softness, strength, and shine for your tresses.
4. Honey - Honey is an emollient, so it works as a natural softener, making for softer and smoother hair. It is also a natural antioxidant, making your scalp healthier and stimulating hair growth.
5. Egg - Eggs are rich in protein and thus add many strengthening benefits to the hair. This protein strengthens follicles, making for stronger strands and less split ends. Eggs also smooth and thicken the strands.
6. Milk - Milk is excellent for nourishing the scalp and making hair less dry and rough. Treatments with milk make the hair naturally softer and shinier.
7. Lemon - Lemons have excellent natural exfoliating properties and can be used to refresh and revive a tired and dry scalp. This can be helpful to reduce oily hair or an itchy scalp.

DIY Hair Masks

To Fix: Damaged Hair

• Ingredients: Egg, Milk, Olive Oil, and Lemon
• How to Make: Combine one separated egg yolk, one cup of milk, two tablespoons of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. Mix together well and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave on for 15 minutes while you relax and let your scalp soak up the moisture then wash off.

To Fix: Dull, Unmanageable Hair

• Ingredients: Bananas, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, and Honey
• How to Make: Mash up two overripe bananas until there are no chunks remaining. Add one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of coconut oil, and one tablespoon of honey and blend together. Spread over your hair and allow it to sit on your locks for 5 minutes.

To Fix: Dry Hair

• Ingredients: Milk and Honey
• How to Make: Combine two large tablespoons of honey and one cup of room-temperature, full-fat milk, allowing the honey to melt into the milk. Pour the mixture over your hair and allow to soak in for one hour. Rinse off with your regular shampoo to reveal moisturized, soft, and shiny hair without the weight of alternative heavy moisturizing products.

To Fix: Drier Hair

• Ingredients: Olive Oil and Honey
• How to Make: Mix together four tablespoons of honey and six tablespoons of olive oil. Spread this super nourishing mask over your hair and allow to sink in for 15 to 30 minutes. Cover your hair in a plastic bag to let the mixture really absorb in.

To Fix: Driest Hair

• Ingredients: Coconut Oil
• How to Make: This simple one ingredient mask deeply moisturizes the hair. Work into hair section by section, massaging into the strands and scalp. To ensure the oil deeply absorbs into the hair shaft, cover your head in a warm towel (pro-tip: microwave a damp towel to quickly warm it up). Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse off and condition as normal.

Are you a fan of DIY beauty recipes? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Windy City-Proof Braids

Not only stylish, braids are a great way to keep hair safe and untangled. And with the wind Chicago is notorious for, that's bad thing. Here are the top 5 braids for surviving The Windy City...

Crown Braid

This elegant updo is inspired by the braids worn by European milkmaids in the 18th century. You can easily give this style a modern twist by teasing and fluffing the braid to give it extra volume.

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Difficultly Level: 3/3

What you need: Bobby pins, a hair tie, hairspray, and arms of steel

Get the look: Kayley Melissa

Dutch Braid

This simple braid is a great way to get hair out of your face while still looking put-together. For some extra lift, try using some volume powder.

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Difficultly Level: 1/3

What you need: A hair tie, hairspray

Get the look: Abby Smith

Waterfall Braid

A little tricky but beautiful - especially on curly hair - this childhood style is getting a sophisticated update.

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Difficultly Level: 2/3

What you need: Hair tie, hairspray

Get the look: Missy Sue

Lace Braid

This braid incorporates a little of the French and Waterfall braid styles, and can be perfect for braiding bangs.

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Difficultly Level: 2/3

What you need: A hair tie

Get the look: Bebexo

Fishtail Braids

This is the easiest and most boho braid on the list, and you can really get your tease on and make it super full and voluminous.

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Difficultly Level: 1/3

What you need: Regular brush, hair ties

Get the look: Luxy Hair

BONUS: Space Buns

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This is one of the most on-trend styles at the moment, and it has a kooky-yet-sexy feel to it. Glitter root are a favourite with this look, if you're feeling brave...

Difficultly Level: 2/3

What you need: Teasing comb, regular brush, hair ties, hairspray

Get the look: Tasha Leelyn

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Cute Hairstyles To Try This Winter

Winter break is a great time to explore and do new things! It also means that you have the luxury and time to change up your hair for the new year. Check out these cute hairstyles for some inspiration:

If you want to color your hair but are afraid to do your whole head, try beauty and fashion guru Jenn Im's ombre look!

In Korea, one of the major hair trends is having bangs! If you're afraid that they'll weigh you down, ask your hair stylist for see-through bangs like Korean actress Yoon Eun Hye's!

Don't want your hair short or long? Just try a shoulder-length hair cut like actress Lily Collins whose hair we're obsessed with; the warm woody tones are to die for.

Where your hair is parted can make the biggest difference. Be bold and try a middle part, as inspired by model Cara Delevingne.

Want to cut your hair short? Try a bob like this one on Jennifer Lawrence.

Feeling even bolder? Go for a pixie cut like actress Keke Palmer!

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Let us know if you try any of these looks in the comment section down below!

Best of British: 5 Brands to Look Out For

It seems we're all raving about Brits these days. From Cara Delevingne to Adele to Harry Styles, everyone wants a piece of the little rainy isle. Here are 5 of Britain's best beauty brands so you can start daydreaming about riding a double decker bus, meeting the Beefeaters at the Tower of London and scoping out the best of British beauty.

Soap & Glory

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Filled with mouth-watering scents and an abundance of puns, S&G have been making a splash in the UK with their wonderful bath and body products, and lately, their makeup. Affordable yet luxurious, this brand offers wonderful body butters, shower gels, moisturisers, and much much more. If you're in the mood for a sugary-sweet scrub made of actual sugar, an oat and maple scented body wash or a citrus body mist to freshen you up after math, this is the brand for you!

What to buy: The Righteous Butter, Hand Maid hand cream, Orangegasm Shower Gel, Kick-Ass Concealers

Where to buy: Ulta, Walgreens

Rimmel London

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Rimmel is a widely-known British brand, and they've been coming out with great new launches lately. With a wide range of foundations, varying levels of coverage and different finishes, as well as pigmented, long-lasting lip colours, Rimmel is flying the flag for great British brands in the US.

What to buy: Lipsticks, Blush singles, Wake Me Up foundation, Apocalypse Lip Laquer, Kate Moss collection

Where to buy: Target, CVS, Walgreens

Lush

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Fresh, handmade and all-natural, Lush's ethical philosophy and great-smelling products have made it a hit both in the UK and across the pond. If you're in the market for a bath to remember, or just some skincare products with a rustic, natural feel, Lush is for you. Plus, since it's cruelty-free, you can shop guilt-free.

What to buy: Any bath bomb, Trichomania solid shampoo, Ocean Salt face scrub, Greased Lightning pimple treatment

Where to buy: Lush 

Charlotte Tilbury

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Charlotte Tilbury is a renowned British makeup artist who launched her own luxury range in 2013, with beautiful rose gold packing and spot-on shades that Tilbury designed herself. A hit with makeup artists, celebs and beauty bloggers alike, they're certainly splurge products but by all accounts they're worth it!

What to buy: Film Star Bronze & Glow, Lipstick in Pillowtalk and Glastonberry, Colour Chameleon Eye crayons, Light Wonder Foundation

Where to buy: Nordstrom, Charlotte Tilbury

Lee Stafford

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Lee Stafford is an award-winning British hairdresser responsible for icons such as Victoria Beckham. His salon-quality range includes products for all hair types, including bleached, dry, curly, straight and damaged hair. Plus, the super-cute packaging will ensure your shower buddy is always stylish.

What to buy: Beach Babe Sea Salt spray, Climate Control Shampoo & Conditioner, Matt Fat Hair Powder, Beach Blondes Shampoo & Conditioner

Where to buy: Ulta, Lock & Mane

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4 Simple Day-to-Night Hairstyles

When transitioning from a hectic school or work day to a fun night in the city, thinking about getting ready can seem like a daunting, maybe even impossible task. Your whole wardrobe seems to relocate itself from the closet to the floor as you try to find the perfect outfit.  Makeup and jewelry now occupy every square inch of the little counter space you have. In the middle of chaos and endless choices, the last thing you want to deal with is attempting to tame your wild, tangled hair. So, save yourself some time and heartache with one of these simple hairstyles that will take you from class to dinner, and beyond!

Half-Up, Half-Down

1. Start with either straight or loosely waved hair.
2.  Tease hair slightly at top of head to create volume.
3. Take a small section of hair from left side of your hair near hairline, and gently twist towards back of head about 2/3 of the way to other side. Secure with bobby.
4. Repeat on right side of hair. Make sure the twisted sections overlap to hide the bobby pins.
5. Add more pins as needed for security. Spray with hairspray if desired.

Messy Side Braid

1. Depending on hair type and preference, use texturizing spray to create volume or shining spray to tame hair.
2. Pull hair to either side, and begin to braid. While braiding try leaving a few pieces out. At the end secure braid, and gently loosen braid with fingers.
3. Spray with hairspray.
4. To transition to night time, accessorize with hair clip or lacy ribbon for a more trendy look.

1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and create a low ponytail.
2. Take your thumb and index finger to create a hole right above the elastic of your ponytail.
3. Lift ponytail over the elastic into the hole, and pull the ponytail all the way through.
4. Grab the ponytail in two sections and tighten.
5. Optional: Create waves in ponytail using curling wand, and finger comb waves for a softer look. Straighten ponytail for sleek look.

Messy Bun

1. Sweep hair to desired side.
2. Separate hair into two sections horizontally, twist top section of hair into mini messy bun and secure.
3. Take bottom half of hair, and twist sections of bottom half of hair around bun in the top section until all hair is secured.
4. Tease out small pieces from the bun and hairline to create an effortless, relaxed look

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